“LIVE UNITED Awards are our way of saying thank you to those who stepped up in a big way for United Way and the community over the past year,” said Michelle N. Hantman, President & CEO. “Our honorees embrace what it means to Live United by giving, advocating, and volunteering. We are so thankful to have amazing supporters and hope other follow their lead in the community.”
Acushnet Company received the most honors with the Navigator Award, Rockefeller Award, and the Help United Award for their commitment and contributions to United Way over the past year. BankFive, BayCoast Bank, City of New Bedford, Eversource, and Lockheed Martin also received the Rockefeller Award for their successful workplace campaigns and corporate contributions.
Southcoast Health was awarded the Hunger Heroes Award as their commitment to the fight against food insecurity in the region grew. In addition to sponsoring and volunteering at United Way’s Mobile Markets in Wareham, Southcoast Health employees voted to donate to the Hunger Commission in lieu of having staff holiday get-togethers this past year.
Reynolds DeWalt received Live United award for truly embodying what it means to LIVE UNITED. Last year, the company transformed their operation to assist in the production of PPE for organizations throughout the SouthCoast.
Araujo Bros Plumbing & Heating was honored with the Holiday Spirit Award for stepping up in a big way for all 6 Holiday Wishes families through our program with Fun 107 & WBSM.
The Marion Institute received the Community Partner Award for their partnership and collaboration on hunger initiatives in the region. The Marion Institute’s Southcoast Food Policy Council led weekly discussions about food insecurity throughout the pandemic to collaborate on addressing growing needs and create a better infrastructure to ensure no one goes hungry.
In addition to the company awards, United Way honored several individuals for their commitment to United Way by giving, advocating, and volunteering. Starlene Alves was awarded the Rising Star Awards for her increasing commitment and dedication to United Way as a member of the Board of Directors and participation on committees such as the Power of the Purse. Richard Drolet was awarded with the Spirit of Giving Award for organizing a campaign to raise money for the Hunger Commission in lieu of the Stamp Out Hunger food drive that traditionally takes place in the spring. Adam Tate was awarded the Spirit of Volunteerism Award for his service. By being a “go to” volunteer for big events like Hunger Heroes.
Other volunteers recognized at the event included Loaned Executives and the Campaign Cabinet. Their service during the year assists in extending the reach of United Way. The Campaign Celebration was sponsored by BankFive, Bristol County Savings Bank, and Coastal Financial.
United Way of Greater New Bedford is a non-profit organization that was established in 1953. United Way brings together volunteers, community leaders, and corporate partners to provide quality programs and initiatives that achieve positive results. Its service area, which has a population in excess of 197,000, includes the City of New Bedford and surrounding towns of Acushnet, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Freetown, Marion, Mattapoisett, Rochester and Wareham.